Despite remarkable progress in the fight against cancer, there are many cancer patients today whose greatest challenge isn’t lack of treatment. It’s lack of transportation.

Right now, the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program needs volunteers from Johnson County to drive cancer patients to and from their treatments.

If you have a car and insurance, safe driving skills, and can drive as little as one morning or afternoon a month, you can give someone peace of mind and the chance to get to their potentially lifesaving treatments.

To volunteer, contact Sarah Campbell, the local Road to Recovery coordinator based in Mountain City, at 423-943-8371 or sew38@hotmail.com. Those needing transportation assistance or cancer information should contact the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day at 1-800-227-2345

“Road to Recovery ensures that patients have transportation when they need it the most,” Campbell said. “For these patients, our drivers are a lifeline. It’s a valuable service, but one that requires tremendous volunteer manpower, which means we’re always looking for new people.”

Some patients simply do not have a vehicle or may be too ill to drive. Family and friends can sometimes help provide transportation. At other times, a patient needs help getting to treatment – that’s where Road to Recovery can help.

“Road to Recovery reduces the burden felt by many patients and allows them to focus on getting well,” Campbell said.

Volunteers may drive as frequently as their schedules permit them to transport patients to and from area treatment centers.

“We are so excited to offer another new service to patients in the Mountain City area,” said Anthony Piercy, American Cancer Society community representative. “We are hoping this will lessen the cancer burden on patients in Mountain City and help patients get to treatments that otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”

A volunteer training will be held on Thursday, March 28, at First Baptist Church beginning at 6 p.m.

Recently, the Society began offering its free wig and gift program at a convenient location in Mountain City. Patients currently undergoing treatment that are facing the physical side effect of hair loss will be offered the free gift items at Chrissy's Classic Cuts located at 786 South Shady Street. For more information, call Chrissy Icenhour at 727-4953.